After Retrieval

Once your procedure is over you will go back to the prep and recovery area. Here a nurse will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and the site where your procedure was preformed. Let the nurse know if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort at this time. After 1 hour of recovery you will be discharged to go home with a family member or friend.At HomeDietYou may resume your regular diet after discharge. You should drink at least six, 8 oz. glasses of water over the next 24 hours. Water helps to clear the dye used during the procedure.ActivityOn the day you leave the hospital, limit your activities. No physical exercise or heavy lifting (greater than 10 lbs.) for the next 3 days. Do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure. You may resume all other daily activities 24 hours after the test.Call the Interventional Radiology Department right away at 312-926-5200 Monday – Friday 8am-5pm or, if it is after hours or on the weekend, please call the hospital operator at 312-926-2000 and ask them to page the Interventional Radiology Fellow on-call if you notice any of the following:

Swelling or bleeding at the puncture site. If the site is bleeding hold pressure to the site for 5-10 minutes.

Fever higher than 101 deg F

Redness at the puncture site, or increasing tenderness or discharge at the puncture site.

Follow-up CareOnce your filter is removed you will now follow up with your primary care doctor. Whenever you see a doctor for the first time you should mention you have had a history of blood clots and an IVC filter placed in the past. This is especially important if you are going to have surgery or you are being treated for a new disease or taking new medications.If you are taking anticoagulation or blood thinning medications such as Coumadin, Lovenox, or Fragmin make sure your primary doctor is monitoring your dose and you have blood tests done to test your bloods clotting time. If you have signs of bleeding while taking these medications notify your doctor.If you have signs or symptoms of DVT or PE notify your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. These symptoms include: